CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Just before the Memorial Day holiday, a local United States veteran received some much-needed help with his home.
Neighbors decided to put their painting skills to the test as they made upgrades to the dwelling owned by Purple Heart recipient Lazaro Camarillo III.
“I am very humbled that my neighbors they took the time to do this for me,” says Camarillo.
Camarillo joined the United States Army in 1969. He fought in Vietnam and was wounded at Hamburger Hill.
Furthermore, Camarillo says his home means a lot to him. He moved back in 1984, and on May 6 it was recognized as the first Purple Heart Home in the nation.
Camarillo volunteers with Veteran Affairs and helps other area military families as much as he can.
“We got to think about their families," Camarillo said. "They sacrifice so much too, we got to realize the children (for their) sacrifice."
Camarillo says he’s thankful for his neighbors who have placed long hours with renovations to his home.
“He’s like a father to me," his helper Veronica Alonzo Vazquez said. "He's always has been ... we've been neighbors for years."
Volunteers helping paint his home say after all of the sacrifices that Camarillo has made, painting his home is the least they can do.
“And they were still out there till 10 o’clock," Camarillo said. "It really means a lot and I really appreciate them going out their way, I thank them from the bottom of my heart."
